T Natarajan’s journey has seen significant transformations, marked by resilience in the face of numerous challenges. Throughout his career, he has faced various obstacles, including allegations of illegal actions, back injuries, and most recently, a collarbone fracture. Each setback has only strengthened his resolve, and this season’s IPL is no exception.

The left-arm fast bowler has made a notable return, showcasing his passion for the game by executing his signature yorkers, which he affectionately refers to as ‘aerkaar’, pronounced in his distinct Tamil accent.

Among his past challenges, the collarbone injury proved to be particularly taxing. Missing a substantial part of the 2025 season, he struggled to regain his form. Leading up to the mini-auction, discussions within the Delhi Capitals (DC) management centered around whether to retain him, especially considering his price tag of Rs 10.75 crore.

Ultimately, DC opted to keep Natarajan in their squad, establishing a plan for the IPL. As the ILT20 unfolded, he trained with the Dubai Capitals and participated in off-season camps in Surat and Delhi, allowing him to rediscover his rhythm. Currently, he has secured four wickets in just three matches, reaffirming his status as a dependable bowler in high-pressure situations.

As he gears up for the upcoming match against the Chennai Super Kings, Natarajan acknowledged the difficulties he faced in regaining precision with his yorker, a crucial aspect of his bowling arsenal. “Executing a normal ball or a slower delivery is straightforward, but nailing a yorker is quite challenging. I believe it’s the most difficult delivery to master. Whenever I had the opportunity back home, I practiced my yorkers using a tennis ball. Previously, I bowled yorkers with a cross-seam grip, but now I focus on a seam-up approach, which has proven beneficial. The game has evolved significantly, with batsmen planning meticulously and attacking aggressively from the outset. I aim to adhere to my strategies and strengths, even if I face some hits. I’ve gained clarity, and after three solid matches, I feel confident in executing my plans,” he shared on Friday.

The transition to a seam-up technique reflects modern trends in cricket. Natarajan, who traditionally bowled with a cross-seam grip, has found that this new method enhances the effectiveness of his yorkers, allowing them to dip sharply as they approach the batsman. “Shifting to seam bowling has been quite challenging. After years of using a cross-seam grip, I wondered if I could adapt. I thought, ‘If everyone else can do it, so can I.’ This transition hasn’t been forced, and I’m pleased to see the results,” Natarajan remarked.

Despite his collarbone injury still lingering in his thoughts, Natarajan reflects on how recent changes in his life have positively influenced his recovery process. Once a player who struggled to meet basic needs, he now follows a structured diet plan during his rehabilitation, ensuring he receives proper nutrition. Additionally, he has been able to train and bowl in his hometown of Chinnappampatti, allowing him to stay close to his family in the Salem district.